Author: Money Mechanics

Filing your taxes as early as possible has always been a good idea. It’s the most effective way to thwart crooks from submitting a fraudulent return in your name, claiming a refund. And if you are due a refund, the sooner you file, the sooner you’ll have the money in your pocket.This year, it’s even more important than usual to get a head start on preparing your return. As a result of tax legislation enacted in July 2025, known by some as the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), you’ll need to navigate a thicket of new provisions, covering everything from…

Georgia drivers will soon see some relief at the pump after state lawmakers approved a 60-day suspension of the state’s motor fuel tax.The measure, expected to be signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp today, will reduce prices by roughly 33 cents per gallon of gasoline and about 37 cents per gallon of diesel, once fuel distributors adjust prices.The bipartisan legislation comes as high gas prices continue to weigh on household budgets across the state. Global energy disruptions due to the United States conflict with Iran, inflation, and supply chain pressures are among the reasons cited for the emergency relief.Article…

Question: I’m retiring in a few years and want to reallocate around $100,000 to a less risky investment. Which savings account would work best for me?Answer: There are several solutions where you can earn thousands of dollars risk-free in a year. Two of the most popular choices are jumbo CDs and high-yield savings accounts.Which one would work best for you? I’ll break down when to use each and which one earns you the most cash.Article continues below From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to…

Please enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser or access the information through the links provided below. March 20, 2026 Federal Reserve Board issues enforcement actions with former employee of Ally Bank and former employee of Regions Bank For release at 11:00 a.m. EDT The Federal Reserve Board on Friday announced the execution of the enforcement actions listed below: Consent prohibition against Lidia Estrada Former employee of Ally Bank, Sandy, Utah Falsification of documents in connection with request for increased compensation Consent prohibition order against Brenda Fuson Former employee of…

The stock market is experiencing increased volatility amid inflation fears, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting interest rate expectations. Below we highlight four undervalued stocks that stand out for their ability to navigate the current volatility. All four stocks have outperformed the S&P 500’s YTD return while paying dividends that cushion portfolios during drawdowns. With equity markets experiencing heightened volatility in early 2026, investors are increasingly turning to stocks that combine attractive dividend income with defensive business models and strong year-to-date momentum. Betterware de México (NYSE:), Spectrum Brands (NYSE:), Sirius XM (NASDAQ:), and Kinetik Holdings (NYSE:) all fit that bill. Each operates in…

Just 30% of Americans believe advances in AI will help boost the economy and help more people afford homes, according to a recent Redfin survey. The majority of both Democrats and Republicans believe AI will make it harder to afford homes.   Nearly two-thirds of Americans say tariffs will cause inflation and keep interest rates high, while 31% say tariffs will boost the economy.  Half believe less immigration will result in fewer construction workers and fewer new homes, hurting housing affordability, while 35% believe less immigration will reduce demand for housing and help affordability.  Nearly half say loosening zoning rules will…

(By Oil & Gas 360) – Global energy markets are entering a new phase of disruption as attacks on critical infrastructure across the Middle East begin to translate into real supply losses, not just risk premiums. Brent crude surged to multi-year highs, briefly touching around $119 per barrel, as traders reacted to widening outages across oil and gas systems. The move reflects a market increasingly focused on physical disruption rather than just geopolitical headlines. At the center of the shock is a wave of coordinated strikes on energy infrastructure. Drone attacks have forced refinery shutdowns in multiple Gulf states, including…

(Image credit: Getty Images)In the financial advising world, success isn’t just about production. It’s about people: The clients who trust you to guide them through life’s biggest financial decisions.Building strong relationships with your clients is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s the secret sauce that can set you apart in a crowded industry.One of our advisers, Dale Smothers, founder of R.D. Smothers Wealth Management in Campbellsville, Kentucky, and a Kiplinger contributor, puts it this way: “We are in the relationship business, not the sales business. If you view yourself as a relationship manager, things get a whole lot easier on…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Harlan couldn’t tell you much about retirement. He didn’t exactly retire in the traditional sense. But he could teach you a lot about self-reliance and determination – traits more older adults are putting into practice today.He needed both when he started his business. After all, he was 65. But people loved what he was cooking up, so he kept going. Soon, he wasn’t just Harlan. He was Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken.It’s a familiar story now, and one that more people seem eager to follow.Article continues below From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance…

The godfather of heavy metal may have been known for his unmatched showmanship and unfiltered honesty, but he was also adept when it came to imparting wisdom that retirees could live by.From his mantra of “living for today and not tomorrow” to his quest for “serenity,” Ozzy’s music has not only influenced generations but has also given us the ultimate rock and roll retirement guide.Whether you are a lifelong Ozzy fan or are only familiar with his many hits, here’s a look at some of his lyrics that retirees can apply in their everyday lives to embrace the journey ahead.Article…